Joshua Zetumer, writer and showrunner of the highly anticipated series 'Say Nothing,' dives into the challenges of dramatizing volatile historical events. He talks about balancing creative control within a diverse writers' room and the importance of character development. Zetumer explores the complexities surrounding figures like Jerry Adams in Northern Ireland's conflict, and shares insights on maintaining authenticity amidst the tension of real-life narratives. Plus, he and Craig tackle the importance of emotional resonance in writing, all while indulging in the joys of ice cream!
Joshua Zetumer discusses the influence of his psychiatrist parents on his storytelling, enhancing his ability to explore complex themes.
The adaptation of 'Say Nothing' emphasizes balancing authenticity with audience engagement while depicting the intricacies of the Irish conflict.
Zetumer highlights the challenge of maintaining a consistent tone by blending humor and tragedy to engage viewers without trivializing serious themes.
Deep dives
The Influence of Personal Background
The conversation highlights how Joshua Zedimer's family background influenced his storytelling, particularly with his parents both being psychiatrists. He humorously contrasts his upbringing with his aspiration to be a jazz drummer, portraying a childhood marked by deep existential reflections amidst a seemingly mundane environment. This rich personal history informs his ability to examine complex themes in his work. The discussions showcase how deeply rooted experiences shape narrative perspectives and character development in storytelling.
The Creative Process Behind 'Say Nothing'
Zedimer discusses the creative process of adapting the book 'Say Nothing' into a limited series, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining that authenticity, especially when depicting real events and characters tied to the Irish conflict. Zedimer acknowledges that the narrative spans three decades of history and requires careful consideration of how to engage audiences unfamiliar with the complexities of that period. The balancing act of representing both idealism and disillusionment in his characters adds depth to the storytelling.
Navigating the Complexity of Characters
The podcast delves into the difficulties of creating multi-dimensional characters that embody both heroic and villainous traits, as seen in the character of Frank Kitson. Zedimer aims to humanize his characters without compromising their moral ambiguities, allowing audiences to grapple with their motivations and decisions. By doing so, he fosters a sense of discomfort that encourages viewers to question their own perceptions of right and wrong. This nuanced portrayal is a testament to the complexity of human nature in historical narratives.
The Art of Balancing Tone
Zedimer and Mazin discuss the importance of balancing comedic and tragic elements within storytelling, particularly in a series that addresses serious themes. They explore how humor can serve as a coping mechanism, providing relief in dark moments without undermining the gravity of the narrative. Through a careful crafting of tone, Zedimer successfully maintains viewer engagement while avoiding the pitfalls of melodrama. This approach highlights the intricacies involved in presenting historical stories that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The Challenge of Historical Truth
The conversation addresses the challenges involved in depicting historical events authentically, especially when dealing with sensitive topics. Zedimer emphasizes that while research is critical for accuracy, it’s also important to embrace creative freedom to convey a compelling narrative. The necessity of citing sources during production reveals the extensive vetting process behind creating credible historical dramas. Ultimately, Zedimer advocates for blending rigorous research with artistic expression, thereby allowing the story to breathe while still honoring the real-life events that inspire it.
Craig welcomes writer and showrunner Joshua Zetumer, creator of the limited series Say Nothing, to explore the process of dramatizing real events — particularly when the subject matter can be volatile. They discuss how to keep a sprawling historical epic from feeling like a lecture, keeping a consistent tone, humanizing complicated people, and how not to get sued by the people who were really involved.
They also answer listener questions on following up with people after the fires, charting the emotional journey of the audience, and whether writers need to cite their sources when writing about real events.
In our bonus segment for premium members, Craig and Joshua pretend to be civil engineers and ask, how can we make Los Angeles function better?